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Encyclopedia -> Disease -> E -> End-stage renal disease Alternate Names: Renal failure - end stage; Kidney failure - end stage; ESRD Causes and Risks: End-stage renal disease (ESRD) occurs when chronic renal failure progresses to the point at which the kidneys are permanently functioning at less than 10% of their capacity. At this point, the kidney function is so low that without dialysis or kidney transplantation, complications are multiple and severe, and death will occur from accumulation of fluids and waste products in the body. Prevention: Treatment of chronic renal failure may delay or prevent progression to ESRD. Some cases may not be preventable. Symptoms:
Signs and Tests: The patient usually has a long history of chronic renal failure, which has progressed. The person may have required dialysis to control chronic renal failure. The urine volume may decrease or urine production may stop totally. Signs of complications commonly are present.
Treatment: Dialysis or kidney transplantation are the only treatments for ESRD. The physical condition of the person and other factors determines which of these is used for treatment. Other treatments of chronic renal failure may continue but are ineffective without dialysis or transplantation. Associated diseases that cause or result from chronic renal failure must be controlled. Hypertension, congestive heart failure, urinary tract infections, kidney stones, obstructions of the urinary tract, glomerulonephritis, and other disorders should be treated as appropriate. Blood transfusions and medications such as iron and erythropoietin may be needed to control anemia. Fluids may be restricted to an amount nearly equal to the volume of urine produced. Dietary restrictions may slow the build-up of wastes in the bloodstream and control associated symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. Restrictions include low protein in diet, with high carbohydrate levels to make up calories. Salt, potassium, phosphorus, and other electrolytes may be restricted. Support Groups: The stress of illness can often be helped by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. See kidney disease - support group. Prognosis: ESRD is fatal unless treated with dialysis or transplantation. Both of these treatments can have serious risks and consequences. The outcome varies and is unique to each individual. Complications:
Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if symptoms indicating end-stage renal disease have developed.Call your health care provider if known acute or chronic renal failure persists or worsens.
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